Parkes observations for project P602 semester 2008OCTS

Here we propose to continue studying the only two magnetars known to emit radio pulsations. The aim is to develop a more specific understanding of the dynamical behavior of their ultra-strong magnetic fields, which are responsible for X-ray and gamma-ray outbursts, magnetospheric currents and particle acceleration, and heating of the neutron star surface. Until now this subject has relied overwhelmingly on X-ray observations. For these two objects, radio provides an additional window through which to study the magnetar phenomenon. The radio emission (discovered at Parkes) is variable and has properties, different from ordinary pulsars, that are not yet understood (flat spectrum, changing fluxes and pulse profiles). The torque experienced by these two stars varies enormously, and can only be tracked now in the radio. Most of our time request is for 1E 1547.0-5408 which cannot be observed with northern telescopes. At Parkes we require weekly timing to reliably track its rotation, while we monitor its X-ray flux with the Swift satellite. For both magnetars we also request bi-monthly polarimetry and flux measurements.